tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51578457150760478622017-07-15T16:03:48.841-05:00Just Like MeI praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. Psalm 139:14Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-33346900300488779322011-07-07T14:33:00.002-05:002011-07-07T14:48:48.309-05:00Ch. 2: Why Do I Need the Spirit?The Holy Spirit and God’s Transforming Power<br /><br />Chuck opens up Chapter 2 by asking, “<i>how can anyone explain the transformation</i>?” referring to the stark difference between Jesus’ disciples pre and post crucifixion, resurrection, and Pentecost. He elaborates on the character of the disciples and their weaknesses during Jesus’ earthly ministry, from Peter’s rashness, to Thomas’ doubts, to John’s dreams, always emphasizing the power of God to transform these men to work in miraculous ways to spread His Gospel according to His will. These men, who were scared, anxious, and confused, at the subsequent death of their master, were radically changed by the presence of the Holy Spirit to become bold, courageous, wise counselors of the Gospel preaching Christ Jesus the Lord unashamedly to a lost and dying world, no matter the consequences. Swindoll then explains four changes among those that received the Holy Spirit:<br /><br />1. <i>Their human frailties were transformed into supernatural gifts and abilities</i>. The disciples, who were given the power to speak in other languages to preach the Good News, became bold in faith and confident in God to do all things.<br /><br />2. <i>Their fearful reluctance was transformed into bold confidence</i>. He tells of how upon Peter and John’s arrest, their interrogators knew they were uneducated and untrained men, but “they were amazed and begun to recognize them as having been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).<br /><br />3. <i>Their fears and intimidation were transformed into a sense of invincibility</i>. It was not until He came and filled those frail and frightened men with His supernatural dynamic, Chuck says, that they were genuinely and permanently changed deep within—transformed.<br /><br />4. <i>Their lonely, grim feelings of abandonment were transformed into joyful perseverance</i>. Peter and John’s boldness—“we must obey God rather than men”—was surely tested throughout their ministries as they suffered shame, were beaten and flogged, threatened and reviled, yet the inner strength of the Spirit proved God’s power to be far greater than man’s as they continually rejoiced in knowing Christ Jesus and to be counted among the privileged to be persecuted for His name.<br /><br />Chuck concludes that these changes among the disciples were due to nothing other than the Spirit of God. “It was the life-changing, attitude-altering, dynamic power of the living Lord that swept over them, permanently residing within them” (54). He then gets real personal asking us to probe ourselves to find out how we feel about this one question: <b><i>Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to transform your life?</i></b> If not, why not? Are you afraid of how that might look like? No need to fear about your weaknesses and inadequacies, you have them on purpose so that Spirit will work in and through you to do amazing things for the sake of glorifying Christ above all things, and so that you will never be able to boast in your own strength. Only He can save and redeem! Jesus explained that the Spirit of truth will guide you into all the truth (John 16:13). Oh that we would embrace the calling of God to be transformed, not just in our thoughts or actions, but in our whole being, by the power of the Holy Spirit to live unashamedly to show a lost and dying world the Good News that God can change anyone radically to experience His joy, taste His goodness, be enveloped by His love, and to see Him as the supreme treasure of all things! To His name be the praise and glory forever!<br /><br /><i>Random thoughts</i>: Several scriptures ran through my head as I read through this chapter that Swindoll didn’t mention. You may find them relevant, you may not- my hope is that you would read through some or all of these and wrestle with how to embrace the Spirit’s transforming power and recognize His presence in your life!<br /><br />“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; <i>God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God</i>. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, <i>but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God</i>.” -1 Cor. 1:26-2:5<br /><br />“Count it all <b>joy</b>, my brothers, when you meet <i>trials of various kinds</i>, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” –James 1:2-4<br /><br />“For it has been <b>granted</b> to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also <i>suffer for his sake</i>” –Phil. 1:29<br /><br />“Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? <i>If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness</i>” -2 Cor. 11:23-30<br /><br />“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for <i>in a severe test of affliction</i>, their <b>abundance of joy</b> and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part” -2 Cor. 8:1-2<br /><br />“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that <i>when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation</i>” -1 Peter 2:9-12<br /><br />“I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. <i>And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. </i>You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God” –Ezekiel 36: 24-28<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">"For the</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> word of the cross</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> is<sup class="xref" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-28365AC&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AC&quot;&gt;AC&lt;/a&gt;)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup> folly to<sup class="xref" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-28365AD&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AD&quot;&gt;AD&lt;/a&gt;)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup> those who are perishing, but to us<sup class="xref" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-28365AE&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AE&quot;&gt;AE&lt;/a&gt;)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup> who are being saved it is<sup class="xref" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-28365AF&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AF&quot;&gt;AF&lt;/a&gt;)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup> the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">power of God</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">" -1 Cor. 1:18</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"For<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><sup class="xref" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-27931AC&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AC&quot;&gt;AC&lt;/a&gt;)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup> I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is<sup class="xref" value="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-27931AD&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AD&quot;&gt;AD&lt;/a&gt;)" style="line-height: 0.5em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; "></sup> the <i>power of God</i> for salvation to everyone who believes" -Rom. 1:16</span><br /></span></span><br />In case you’ve made it this far here’s a couple questions Chuck asks:<br />- <b>In what ways have you changed</b> (mind, character, hope, thinking, perspective, etc.) <b>since you came to Christ?</b><br />- <b>How has the Spirit given you the ability and power to do something you couldn’t have done on your own?</b><br /><br />Just for Fun : )<br /><br />Ah man you name it bra, I promise I done done it all<br />So busy doin me that I ain't care at all (I'm changed)<br />I know I ain't the person that I used to be<br />I look the same but I promise this a newer me<br />See what I used to be was selfish and conceited<br />I was living for myself and telling Jesus he could beat it<br />At the time I couldn't see it, all I saw was havin fun<br />Went to church to look for ladies, not to look upon the Son<br />I was a hedonist, now Jesus is my pleasure<br />I was a narcissist but now I'm lookin betta.<br />But I ain't fix myself, ain't turn myself around<br />I gave it up and told the Lord that he can have it now<br /><br />I used to do it too, I used to do it too,<br />I used to do it, used to do it, used to do it too<br />But I'm changed, now I'm something different <br />I'm changed, I love the way I'm living<br />I'm changed, saved me from my own sin <br />I'm changed, I learned how to live again<br />-Lecrae, “Used to do it too”<br /></div>Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-91348803261462097492011-06-27T19:11:00.009-05:002011-06-27T20:04:45.840-05:00Embraced, Chapter 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-naddVYxH-5Y/Tgkojh_EnPI/AAAAAAAAAUI/TH4bfLsXI6Q/s1600/dji_sunday_girlpray2_c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 203px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-naddVYxH-5Y/Tgkojh_EnPI/AAAAAAAAAUI/TH4bfLsXI6Q/s320/dji_sunday_girlpray2_c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623070200632220914" /></a><br /><br /><br />When I started reading Chapter 2 of Embraced by the Spirit I realized I might need a refresher course on John 13-17. I grabbed up my Bible (The Message) and was caught up in this one verse: "Master, said Peter. Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!" Of course this came after Peter refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet, to which Jesus replied, "Alright then, you can't be a part of what I'm doing." (...that was the Angie translation).<br />I'm with Peter...if washing my feet lets me be a part of what Jesus has going on, by all means, don't stop there! Of course there was no need for a complete shower, and Jesus let Peter know it, but I see where Peter was coming from. Gentlemen, you will forgive the girly reference here, but I'm just saying, if I'm getting all gussied up to go out on the town, I'm not just going to flat-iron one section of my hair! I'm getting my nails done, I'm using the expensive lotion, and I'm using my best hair products...in fact...I'm even going to apply all three colors of eye shadow! So why is it that when it comes to the Christian life we just go through our everyday routine rather than going all out? I'm not pointing fingers, I'm in this one with you. <br />So I am shouting out today, "Jesus, don't stop there...give me a good scrub down if you must...I WANT IN ON WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!" (He doesn't mind us shouting...it just lets Him know just how much we mean it).<br />How does this apply to our book study? Well, first, I want in on what the Lord has for me. He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, but many Christians haven't really given permission for the Holy Sprit to have His way with them. Some time ago I sat in a church service and the pastor, Steve Meeks of Calvary Baptist, said something like this, "The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He is just waiting for you to give Him permission to have his way in you." Yes, all believers are given the Holy Spirit, but we have to ask Him to be our companion. We have to listen to His voice within us. This brings freedom to the believer. On page 24 Swindoll writes it this way, "...They long for depth, for passion, for satisfying peace and stability instead of a superficial relationship with God made up of religious-souding words without feelings and on-going struggles without healings. Surely there must be more to the life of faith than church meetings, Bible study, religious jargon,and meaningless prayers. Surely the the awesome Spirit of God wishes to do more within us than what is presently going on." That night at Calvary Baptist Steve gave an alter call...not for salvation...but for those Christians who wanted more of God, who wanted to invite the Holy Spirit to have control. There was no head slapping, pastor screaming, people dropping moment. I don't really remember what was going on around me, but I went forward. I had to have more, there had to be more to the Christian life. The prayer I received was gentle and quiet. I asked God to have his way in me through the power of the Holy Spirit.<br />On pages 26-27 Swindoll refers to Phil. 3:10 from the Amplified Bible, "For my determined purpose is that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in the same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection." Without the guidance from the Holy Spirit we are left with head knowledge, the Holy Spirit is the intimate part of the Trinity. He is the power Jesus promised us (Acts 1:8). He is the promise that we will never be alone. <br />This week find time to spend alone with God. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you through the Holy Spirit. Then listen. We spend so much of our prayer time talking...trust me...I'm chuckling a little at that...all of you know how much I like to talk. It is in the quiet time that God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit. I have mentioned ministry team training to you before. One of the concepts taught when praying for others is to sit and wait on God to take control. It is difficult to do at first, but I am going to encourage you to just allow time for the Holy Spirit to guide your prayer time with the Father. I can't wait to hear what He has to say to me...and you.<br />Blessings friends.Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-45501843883671312382011-06-19T15:15:00.005-05:002011-06-19T15:36:26.729-05:00Embraced by the Spirit, Introduction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.CROSSINGS.COM/ProductImages/LG/78/1000483078_LG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 229px;" src="http://images.CROSSINGS.COM/ProductImages/LG/78/1000483078_LG.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Energized by our time together last night, I came home and immediately delved into Dr. Swindoll's book. I read the introduction...I wanted to read so much more, but that alone gave me more than enough. More than enough. That is Jesus. God's amazing gift of Jesus is more than enough for me, but being the God he is, he gave us more than enough, he gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit, a companion to walk with us when Jesus left.<br />This week I am going to encourage each of you to read the introduction and spend time with Jesus. Seek out the answer to only one question...who is the Holy Spirit to you? Where are in you in your relationship with our Comforter and Companion? My guess is that we are all in different places, my hope is that at the end of our time together we will all be running, jumping, and leaping toward the same relationship...arms open wide.<br />I am glad you are on this journey with me, post your thoughts here by Sunday, June 26. If you do not yet have the book do not be discouraged. Catch up when you can. I'll see you here in "bloggy land"!Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-32308206742123271032010-01-28T13:14:00.003-06:002010-01-28T13:34:02.562-06:00Praying for Lisa SmithI find myself drawn to my keyboard today. This week my sweet friend, Lisa, was diagnosed with sarcoma of the breast. This is not breast cancer, rather sarcoma that is found in her breast. She will have an emergency mastectomy as chemo and radiation do not work on this form of cancer. I talked with her this morning. She is strong...all I could do was cry. <br /><br />I find myself wishing...wishing I would have found the time to meet with her over early, early morning tea as we always do when I am home for the holidays. I was busy. Too busy. <br /><br />If you don't know Lisa, please spend time reading her blog found at http://lifeoflisasmith.blogspot.com She is an amazing woman who so loves the Lord. You can also join others in a prayer wall for her. The link for this is: http://www.colossians314.blogspot.com/<br /><br />Many times I will look at Lisa's posts and see that it is 2:00 in the morning as she posts. She simply sits at the feet of our Jesus, longing for time with him. I too am longing to have a Mary heart in a Martha world, the peace that Lisa finds daily amidst four young children and a family business.<br /><br />Please join me as Lisa just begins this fight with cancer. <br /><br /><a href="http://lifeoflisasmith.blogspot.com/" target=_blank><center><img border="0" alt="Lisa Smith Glad Chatter" title="Lisa Smith Glad Chatter" src="http://files.me.com/icthuslink17/kmaqi8" /></center></a>Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-18610020318344291102009-10-05T20:19:00.005-05:002009-10-05T20:49:16.463-05:00Fall Brings...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SsqfXA_hxSI/AAAAAAAAASI/NAIcaNzcZsM/s1600-h/October+2009+040.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SsqfXA_hxSI/AAAAAAAAASI/NAIcaNzcZsM/s320/October+2009+040.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389295121854481698" /></a><br /><br />Craziness! I can't begin to explain what happened without saying that the Lord is gracious and compassionate and we are forever thankful for the abundant blessings that come from every trial we are put through!!<br /><br />So, fall. We found out in August that Noah's daycare provider was getting married to a wonderful man whom we quickly grew to love. That being said, I cried hard for days. Noah started going to Nancy as a baby and he loved, loved going. When we found out we called another friend of ours who also runs a private daycare. She had a waiting list of 1 1/2 years! More tears! In the end, this choice came open and Noah is starting his 3rd week with Vicki.<br /><br />Noah's first week there we received a letter saying that the previous week a young girl there was diagnosed with Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease. No problem...Noah wasn't even there then. Wednesday I picked Noah up and he had bitten his lip...boys. Friday I picked him up and he was running 100.6 temp. He screamed and kept crying "Owie". Saturday we called the doctor and took Noah in. The doctor told us he had a couple canker sores from biting his lip. We went home to a weekend of screaming, no sleeping, no eating, and no drinking.<br /><br />Monday Noah headed to daycare again, hoping routine would kick in and peer pressure would get him to eat. By Tuesday he was eating again, although beginning to dehydrate, he was really on the road to recovery.<br /><br />Tuesday night I came down with a sore throat...and multiple canker sores. Mark came down with the same. Stress was our diagnosis. Wednesday came and I was no longer able to eat and I had weird, unexplained blisters on my feet. Thursday...same. I was down to drinking broth. Mark...mashed potatoes. Friday we went out, I painfully tried to eat. Mark commented on the strange coincidence of us both having these bizarre canker sores. We went to Starbucks and I asked for hot tea to cure a sore throat instead of the yummy Pumpkin Spice Latte. Saturday I woke up with blisters on my hands...we have Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease...and no doubt, Noah did as well.<br /><br />Despite everything, we had plans to go to the pumpkin patch...which we did! Here are some fun photos from our weekend, and while late for us, fall is officially beginning!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/Ssqe0v6slTI/AAAAAAAAAR4/_4HbMCZmATk/s1600-h/October+2009+025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/Ssqe0v6slTI/AAAAAAAAAR4/_4HbMCZmATk/s320/October+2009+025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389294533155263794" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SsqfFvv3I-I/AAAAAAAAASA/B2paN_3qWm0/s1600-h/October+2009+037.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SsqfFvv3I-I/AAAAAAAAASA/B2paN_3qWm0/s320/October+2009+037.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389294825167594466" /></a>Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-83757655913494145822009-09-05T21:06:00.006-05:002009-09-05T21:29:14.424-05:00Fall Fiesta<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://comps.fotosearch.com/bigcomps/TBZ/TBZ182/Taco028.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 520px;" src="http://comps.fotosearch.com/bigcomps/TBZ/TBZ182/Taco028.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I'll start by saying I don't think there are more than a handful of people in the Holden-Kingsville area who speak fluent Spanish and there isn't a Mexican restaurant in the immediate area, but each year our neighboring town...Holden...holds its Fall Fiesta! Being from Texas, Mark and I find some irony in the name of the fair. That being said, we may not be able to jet off to a foreign land, or even neighboring state, but we were able to attend the fair as a family this year!<br /><br />I remember a friend going to a similar event in a small Texas town, Muleshoe, to be exact. I couldn't really grasp the small-town family feel all those years ago, but there is a buzz in the community that is only felt once a year. Everyone I know goes to the fair...even if it's just for the Queens Contests or a funnel cake.<br /><br />Mark and I have been to the fair almost every year we have lived here...my parents have even been. I mean, who would miss the mattress race down HWY 58...or the cute little boys dressed for the Wee-King contest?<br /><br />So this year we braved the night and took Noah. He loved it! Had he been tall enough I think he would have hopped on rides! His ride for the night had four legs! He loved the ponies and cried each time he had to get off. Now, let me remind you, ponies still have bathroom breaks. Mommy, ie...me, had to jump said breaks and I was in flip-flops! Nothing like the local men laughing at me while I jumped piles, well, flattened piles. The women running the "booth" kept telling me how impressed they were that I was keeping up while on tip-toes and in flip-flops. Note to self: wear closed-toed shoes to the Fiesta next year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SqMce3PEm5I/AAAAAAAAAQo/lVNoO2vw4wM/s1600-h/Holden+Fair,+August+2009+023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SqMce3PEm5I/AAAAAAAAAQo/lVNoO2vw4wM/s320/Holden+Fair,+August+2009+023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378173696559324050" /></a><br /><br />After pony riding we had dinner...Noah had fries, Mark a burger, me a hand-dipped foot-long corn dog! Nothing organic about it! We also had cotton-candy...can't leave a fair without fresh cotton-candy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SqMcxgs6p9I/AAAAAAAAAQw/lWeE2nRDsRc/s1600-h/Holden+Fair,+August+2009+025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SqMcxgs6p9I/AAAAAAAAAQw/lWeE2nRDsRc/s320/Holden+Fair,+August+2009+025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378174016927999954" /></a><br /><br />Before leaving we headed down to hear a friend's worship team singing. Noah loved it, we loved it. Nothing like getting to worship on the streets of the town! Noah also loved the fire dog, or man in the fire dog suit. I kept apologizing for my child's monopolizing the time of said man. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SqMdBNDPjWI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/oUBpoqVcmoI/s1600-h/Holden+Fair,+August+2009+027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SqMdBNDPjWI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/oUBpoqVcmoI/s320/Holden+Fair,+August+2009+027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378174286530841954" /></a><br /><br />All in all, we had a great time. On the way out Noah road the ponies again...and cried when he had to get off. This time Mark walked with him...I am a fast learner!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SqMdUVxH_KI/AAAAAAAAARA/q-ZTcxFQpa4/s1600-h/Holden+Fair,+August+2009+031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SqMdUVxH_KI/AAAAAAAAARA/q-ZTcxFQpa4/s320/Holden+Fair,+August+2009+031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378174615288282274" /></a><br /><br />Until next year, "Viva la Holden!"Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-44923058480842796862009-08-29T21:39:00.008-05:002009-08-30T20:19:01.711-05:00Surprise!I love surprises, I really do! So when my parents showed up in the halls of the high school with Noah last Friday I was thrilled. I knew my parents were planning a get-a-way, I just didn't know it was to Missouri.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SpnqbKr8aeI/AAAAAAAAAQg/BjOzG6sqINc/s1600-h/August+2009+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SpnqbKr8aeI/AAAAAAAAAQg/BjOzG6sqINc/s320/August+2009+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375585382689434082" /></a><br /><br />So I did what anyone would do, I took the afternoon off and headed home. Mom and I slipped out during Noah's nap and headed to our pastor's wife's new spa. That night we went to a local restaurant and had entirely way too much food for one family. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SpnqE3oHeEI/AAAAAAAAAQY/d4C6A1K1rJ4/s1600-h/Holden+Fair,+August+2009+007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SpnqE3oHeEI/AAAAAAAAAQY/d4C6A1K1rJ4/s320/Holden+Fair,+August+2009+007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375584999615985730" /></a><br /><br />Saturday mom and I went to the local Farmer's Market and brought home a huge box of goodies...see Sunday's note. The rest of the day was spent shopping, eating Mexican food, and playing.<br /><br />Sunday we enjoyed the day together as a family and ended our day with a yummy home-cooked feast!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SpnpjO31RvI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/IkWrW1QSY1I/s1600-h/Mom%27s+Camera+Pictures+177.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SpnpjO31RvI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/IkWrW1QSY1I/s320/Mom%27s+Camera+Pictures+177.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375584421740365554" /></a><br /><br />Despite having to say goodbye after only 2 and a half days, it was so worth the surprise. I love you Mom and Dad...thanks for coming!Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-53072927375800921372009-08-10T20:33:00.007-05:002009-08-10T20:55:26.990-05:0011 YearsI decided to follow up my day of surprises by recounting my wonderful day with Mark! This year for our anniversary we headed to the Plaza (<a href="http://www.countryclubplaza.com/">Country Club Plaza</a> for those non-Missourians reading this). It is located in Kansas City, MO and is an outdoor shopping extravaganza with all of "the" shops, street performers, incredible restaurants, the art museum...you get the picture.<br /><br />Before we had Noah we spent about every-other weekend there, more specifically, eating PF Changs there! <br /><br />We went to an early movie...the theater there is one, that until recently, does (did) not allow anyone under the age of 17 into Friday and Saturday night movies, ie, no junior high kids at the theater to scream and squeal at movies that really did not require screaming or squealing. While they lifted this rule in the face of a rough economy, it is still our favorite theater, located upstairs in an unsuspecting building with small theaters.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SoDOXXbBpOI/AAAAAAAAAQI/IAXN5-zGkZw/s1600-h/anniversary+001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SoDOXXbBpOI/AAAAAAAAAQI/IAXN5-zGkZw/s320/anniversary+001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368517656645313762" /></a><br /><br />Once the movie was over we headed to <a href="http://www.fogodechao.com/">Fogo de Chao</a> for a feast of meats! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SoDOJXtyAbI/AAAAAAAAAQA/0A7JCXpjr8s/s1600-h/anniversary+004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SoDOJXtyAbI/AAAAAAAAAQA/0A7JCXpjr8s/s320/anniversary+004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368517416205812146" /></a><br /><br />Honestly they have an enormous salad bar with a lot of exotic foods, but when we had the chance to sample 15 meats we chose the meat! We actually sampled all 15 and if you area headed there, ask us for our favorites! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SoDN4qp0iXI/AAAAAAAAAP4/N4ViJR3gkis/s1600-h/anniversary+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SoDN4qp0iXI/AAAAAAAAAP4/N4ViJR3gkis/s320/anniversary+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368517129231698290" /></a><br /><br />Our waitress brought us this dessert to end our night there...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SoDNoVt4CnI/AAAAAAAAAPw/Nb8R9YhLkAw/s1600-h/anniversary+003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SoDNoVt4CnI/AAAAAAAAAPw/Nb8R9YhLkAw/s320/anniversary+003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368516848733653618" /></a><br /><br />After dinner we waddled, seriously, I told Mark my stomach was so full I felt like I was carrying Noah once again! Embarrassing to admit, but true. Mark said his belly could be thumped like a ripe melon!<br /><br />So, back to romantic night...we picked up Cheesecake Factory to go (remember, full tummies) and when leaving Mark took me for a carriage ride! Cynthia, don't worry, I questioned the owner as if it was the great inquisition. The horses are treated well, they wear special shoes for gripping the road, and our horse, Trigger, had glitter nails! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SoDNRtIViXI/AAAAAAAAAPo/W2KnmERHRi0/s1600-h/anniversary+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SoDNRtIViXI/AAAAAAAAAPo/W2KnmERHRi0/s320/anniversary+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368516459881662834" /></a>Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-12347361867756427482009-07-31T19:22:00.014-05:002009-08-01T10:10:29.890-05:00Day of SuprisesToday, the second day back to work, started out seemingly like every other day. We got up, I got Mark and Noah off for the day and I headed in to work. When I opened the door to my office I found...produce! I have the most amazing friends who work hours in their gardens and share a tremendous amount of it with...me! Look at the amount of yummy, fresh goodies! Amazing surprise #1!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SnOQwTcZrUI/AAAAAAAAAOw/CcMedWxpV_o/s1600-h/July+31+008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SnOQwTcZrUI/AAAAAAAAAOw/CcMedWxpV_o/s320/July+31+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364790740655910210" /></a><br /><br />Later in the morning the school secretary came in with these:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SnOQ_F_Bw8I/AAAAAAAAAO4/U4uX96BTZdM/s1600-h/July+31+007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SnOQ_F_Bw8I/AAAAAAAAAO4/U4uX96BTZdM/s320/July+31+007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364790994741085122" /></a><br /><br />I have to tell you that I always tell Mark not to spend money on flowers...they die quickly and cost a lot, but when these arrived I just stood and cried. Eleven years ago tomorrow Mark and I were married in the heat of the Texas summer. We traveled to a cabin in the Smoky Mountains. While there, we went to The Burning Bush, a restaurant on a small river...creek more like it in Tennessee. In the restaurant there was a woman selling roses to unsuspecting men C: My sweet, new husband bought me a pink one. I will never forget it. So these pink roses sent to me 11 years later meant so much. They meant he remembered all those years ago the "fresh" love we had for one another. They meant he still feels that love for me. Eleven years later he has not forgotten. Wow! I love my husband. Surprise #2 (the surprise is not that I love Mark, but that he sent me flowers without me knowing about it).<br /><br />I left work at noon and came home. In the mail were surprises #3, 4, and 5! My sister and parents sent cards with items inside them for a great date night to help us celebrate our anniversary. So we are headed to Fogo de Chao for dinner and to Cheesecake Factory for dessert all at the Country Club Plaza...we had actually made those plans well in advance and hadn't told my family, God is so good to provide the blessings from my family to make it the perfect night out! Along with that there was a large package on my front door, HIT Entertainment was the name on the box. Now I will be honest, I thought my sister had bought us our much desired Wii!! That being said, I am totally thrilled with my Cheesecake Factory gift card, and I mean it! So, what was in the box? This:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SnORL5GykGI/AAAAAAAAAPA/GncXCwtEnWk/s1600-h/July+31+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SnORL5GykGI/AAAAAAAAAPA/GncXCwtEnWk/s320/July+31+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364791214622281826" /></a><br /><br />Noah received a huge Brobee! He loves Brobee from Yo Gabba Gabba! Thank you MaMa (Grandma)!<br /><br />That same husband who sent me those roses took off early to go shopping with me. He patiently went to the teacher supply store, Wal-Mart, JCPenney, Kohls, Starbucks, HyVee, Chilis, and to pick Noah up from daycare. <br /><br />Surprise #6 happened there. When we drove up Noah was playing outside, but not in the shorts we sent him in...hmmmmmm. We asked what had happened and this is what we heard, <br /><br />"I was changing Noah's poopy diaper and the other kids were around me pulling and calling my name. I finished changing Noah and he met me in the hallway grabbing at the front of his shorts. I thought that he was trying to tell me he had gone to the restroom in his diaper...until I saw pee running down his leg! I had forgotten to put his diaper!" We laughed so hard. I am a mother of one...have any of my friends who are mothers of multiple children ever done the same? LOL! No picture of this...although the mis-matched outfit was one not to be forgotten!<br /><br />So we just put Noah to bed, he is laying on Brobee. Mark is in the kitchen heating up the molten chocolate cake that came with our Chili's take-out dinner...the 2 for $20 is an amazing deal...maybe surprise #7! I'm going to end my night snuggled with my amazing husband and thanking God for an amazing day, an amazing family, an amazing life. C:Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-57018581522595732722009-07-19T20:45:00.004-05:002009-07-19T21:06:43.754-05:00My Little Tike<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blogs.e-rockford.com/gogreen/files/2009/06/little-tikes-cozy-coupe-30th-anniversary.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://blogs.e-rockford.com/gogreen/files/2009/06/little-tikes-cozy-coupe-30th-anniversary.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After watching Noah get in and out of the Little Tikes car at daycare, Mark and I decided it was time we bought one for Noah that he could play with while at home. We have actually started a family tradition of heading to the city each Friday night for dinner.<br /><br />So, Friday night we headed to Fuddruckers! Have you been there lately? They have raised their prices since I was in college...lol! We packed Noah a healthy dinner, he ate french fries!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/21/Fuddruckers-logo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 211px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/21/Fuddruckers-logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After dinner we headed to Toys 'R Us for Noah's first new car! While there he also got a booster seat so he could sit at the table with Mommy and Daddy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SmPN4oNc6cI/AAAAAAAAAOg/l9_gktbQLyY/s1600-h/July+18,+2009+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SmPN4oNc6cI/AAAAAAAAAOg/l9_gktbQLyY/s320/July+18,+2009+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360354354251229634" /></a><br /><br />By the time we got home it was time for bath and bed. That's when the fun began! Mark and I wanted to put Noah's car together so it could be waiting for him in the morning...err...I wanted to put it together. UGH! That little thing almost brought me to tears. There were only picture directions, no words. There were no holes for the screws. Mark, being the wonderful husband that he is, stepped in and took over. Marriage saved (lol).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/images/cityofember_dvd_lg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 478px;" src="http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/images/cityofember_dvd_lg.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We didn't get to watch The City of Ember as planned, but the car was ready for Noah bright and early Saturday morning. As we laid down Friday night, at 11:30, I told Mark, "Noah probably won't even play with that car tomorrow." I am so glad I was wrong!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SmPORbHbpSI/AAAAAAAAAOo/uh7Nq6neQt4/s1600-h/July+18,+2009+004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SmPORbHbpSI/AAAAAAAAAOo/uh7Nq6neQt4/s320/July+18,+2009+004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360354780233049378" /></a>Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-15490266662586847792009-07-09T21:13:00.010-05:002009-07-09T21:55:19.673-05:00Fourth of JulyThere is something about going home...really home. Everyone thinks I grew up in Texas...and for over half of my life I did. My true home is Ohio. There is something about it, something about returning and seeing the elementary school I learned in, the house I played in, the park I ran in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SlaoFIzwieI/AAAAAAAAAOI/-2RromsfzMQ/s1600-h/Ohio+2009+140.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SlaoFIzwieI/AAAAAAAAAOI/-2RromsfzMQ/s320/Ohio+2009+140.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356653613021170146" border="0"></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mark and Noah at Razor's, the ice cream shop that we ate at as kids.</span><br /><br />But the trip to Ohio was not really about places, it was about people. I was blessed to be able to spend several days visiting with my dad's family, and one quick day with my mom's. It just works out that way...no favorites!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SlarvuzLYbI/AAAAAAAAAOY/paZ3Ztb9pKs/s1600-h/Ohio+2009+104.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SlarvuzLYbI/AAAAAAAAAOY/paZ3Ztb9pKs/s320/Ohio+2009+104.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356657643308671410" border="0"></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The cousins.</span><br /><br />I was introduced to "corn-hole" a game that is quite addictive, competitive, and rib-tickling fun! Kit...you owe me one more game. We left it tied 1-1. I'm not sure why, but I was pulled in to game after game, after game, after game...you get the idea. The first night my arm hurt so much I had to take medicine for pain! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/Slanjik4UbI/AAAAAAAAAOA/J6tFqo3004E/s1600-h/Ohio+2009+052.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/Slanjik4UbI/AAAAAAAAAOA/J6tFqo3004E/s320/Ohio+2009+052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356653035822535090" border="0"></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Helen throws during a game of corn-hole.</span><br /><br />We ate...and ate...and ate. Galaxy Pizza beats Wally's Pizza any day Chris...you are going to have to accept it. For those not part of the tradition, our family greets one another late on Friday night with a big pizza party...only we can't decide on a favorite pizza so we order from two places! I wish I had taken pics of the pizzas...they are enormous and they taste so good after 10:00 pm! I did take pictures of the barbecue from the 4th of July...delicious! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SlanJ_illPI/AAAAAAAAAN4/TT5XjByoM1E/s1600-h/Ohio+2009+076.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SlanJ_illPI/AAAAAAAAAN4/TT5XjByoM1E/s320/Ohio+2009+076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356652596920947954" border="0"></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Chris was the grill-master for the day...that is, after I beat him at Corn-Hole!</span><br /><br />We celebrated until the wee hours of the night and then headed to Columbus for my mom's family picnic. It was short-lived. My grandma had a single-car accident the morning of and our concern was her getting home...yes, she went to the hospital and then came to the picnic with gifts for Noah! Please pray for her recovery...they are concerned with pneumonia setting in at this point in time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SlaohaM4v9I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/YUoOssESyV8/s1600-h/Ohio+2009+124.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SlaohaM4v9I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/YUoOssESyV8/s320/Ohio+2009+124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356654098726305746" border="0"></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Dad and Uncle Charlie grilling for the Pennypacker reunion on Sunday.</span><br /><br />I wish I could bottle up the events of the week, video each one, post each one. We laughed hard...hard, hard. The conversations were sometimes deep, those happen late at night after we've laughed all we can and the stillness of the night, err...morning...sets in. I know you can sense it, the love I have for my extended family. They are great people, people I love, people I miss. Happy next 4th of July to the Masons, the Albaughs, the Pennypackers, the Beards...miss you until then.Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-21725194167104659812009-06-29T15:18:00.004-05:002009-06-29T15:33:44.515-05:00Father's DaySo I'm a little late posting...several months late to be exact. A special thanks to those of you who encouraged me to write again.<br /><br />Now I know it may seem like I am boasting about my recent Father's Day Weekend, but that is not it. I actually became very humble and reflected on what a wonderful, patient, amazing man I married. It was at church, and in jest, that our pastor said another man in the congregation said Father's Day started for him when he got off work on Friday, and ended when he went to work the Monday morning following Father's Day Sunday.<br /><br />So, there it was. A joke, that I loved! <br /><br />The weekend was wonderful, yummy food, good dad and Noah times, and a reminder to celebrate Mark!<br /><br />Noah was the taste-tester for Mark's Father's Day cake.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/Skki-JMvjMI/AAAAAAAAANQ/UAx-Jk1oeek/s1600-h/Texas+Summer+2009+054.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/Skki-JMvjMI/AAAAAAAAANQ/UAx-Jk1oeek/s320/Texas+Summer+2009+054.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352848083123145922" /></a><br /><br />Daddy and Noah walked Dixie together on Sunday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SkkjOgEi7DI/AAAAAAAAANY/WZtrO5KMOp4/s1600-h/Texas+Summer+2009+062.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SkkjOgEi7DI/AAAAAAAAANY/WZtrO5KMOp4/s320/Texas+Summer+2009+062.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352848364140686386" /></a><br /><br />Proverbs 23:24<br />The father of a righteous man has great joy;<br />he who has a wise son delights in him.Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-37143618282209530002009-02-16T20:48:00.002-06:002009-02-16T20:52:35.882-06:00No Blog Is Perhaps a Better BlogI've thought about it, maybe too much. In the end, I'm done blogging for now. For the three of you who look at my blog...thanks!<br /><br />Maybe months from now I'll post again...and if I do, I'll let you know. For now...I'm signing off.Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-18127028920818861012009-02-01T17:19:00.004-06:002009-02-01T17:23:38.591-06:00A Warm Day to End January<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SYYugJavE2I/AAAAAAAAANA/1HfEc-nhcaI/s1600-h/January+2009+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SYYugJavE2I/AAAAAAAAANA/1HfEc-nhcaI/s320/January+2009+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297973141466714978" /></a><br /><br />Yesterday we had a rare warm day in January. It was in the 60s so we threw on sweat shirts and headed outside. Noah loves being outdoors and despite every effort to get a cute face shot of him, he was too quick for me! What a fun day with Daddy and Noah!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SYYuuMV9RwI/AAAAAAAAANI/2ldXCdtJEnM/s1600-h/January+2009+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SYYuuMV9RwI/AAAAAAAAANI/2ldXCdtJEnM/s320/January+2009+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297973382770149122" /></a>Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-2577030125693509622009-02-01T17:15:00.004-06:002009-02-01T17:18:35.028-06:00Child Labor?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SYYtwOHBXBI/AAAAAAAAAM4/QBDi-DkDfzg/s1600-h/January+2009+014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SYYtwOHBXBI/AAAAAAAAAM4/QBDi-DkDfzg/s320/January+2009+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297972318092483602" /></a><br /><br />Can I be brought up on charges for child labor?! Noah took to the sponge and cleaned the dishwasher over...and over...and over...Sunday afternoon!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SYYthLEDO2I/AAAAAAAAAMw/3ZGO_novMCk/s1600-h/January+2009+013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SYYthLEDO2I/AAAAAAAAAMw/3ZGO_novMCk/s320/January+2009+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297972059576679266" /></a><br /><br />Despite my efforts to get him to move on to the fridge, or the stove, he thought the dishwasher was worth every minute of his time. <br /><br />I love our little man!Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-80976343595237675342009-01-31T13:57:00.002-06:002009-01-31T14:17:24.816-06:00Jacob, Job, and Babies!A vacation from my blog. <br /><br />Hmmmmm....<br /><br />That's where I've been, on vacation from my blog. I've thought each day about something, anything to post. There's been nothing. <br /><br />I've thought about writing about Jacob, or Job. They've been on my mind a lot. A lot, a lot. I've joined a friend in reading The Chronological Bible in a Year. I have to admit that as I've been reading Job, the thought has crossed my mind to skip ahead. I even told Mark I was tired of hearing Job complain...maybe I'm with high school kids too often (or just the ones who complain)! But Job isn't about Job complaining, it's about a man, sold out to God, who wants his God, my God, to restore him. To bless him. To find him faithful. Job wasn't about to give up. <br /><br />Then there is Jacob. As Mark and I were going to bed one night I commented on the life of Jacob...born grabbing Esau's heel, tricked Isaac into giving him Esau's birth right...it goes on. Jacob's life reflects the love of God to bless a fallen man...a fallen men...a fallen nation. How Great is Our God!<br /><br />There's more...when I can put it into words I'll post more.<br /><br />For now, a celebration of life! Many of you know I have a dear friend who was born with a heart condition. A few years ago she had open heart surgery. The heart condition keeps her from carrying her own children. She and her husband have spent the last few years working with a facility in California/Colorado to use a surrogate to have their children. It's been a long process and through it they have seen several friends have babies (us included). I have cried with her, grieving her womb that will remain forever silent. I have rejoiced with her as finances poured out allowing them to continue the journey. I have prayed for her, shouted with her, and watched the Lord humble her heart and spirit. It really has been a journey. We celebrate now, her baby (or babies) are now 4 weeks old, and growing. They have a long time to grow until we see them outside the womb, but I am celebrating with Becca and John for the life...or lives that we will see in 9 months!Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-71277898751183472282009-01-06T20:39:00.003-06:002009-01-06T20:55:47.894-06:00One of THOSE MomsToday.<br /><br />It happened.<br /><br />Noah and I went to the grocery store to buy food for a local family who is in great need. <br /><br />We came out. <br /><br />Noah was put in the car seat, with Yo Gabba Gabba playing along. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flircreative.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/yogabba.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 544px; height: 420px;" src="http://flircreative.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/yogabba.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />He took my keys.<br /><br />I left the back door open...ajar.<br /><br />I put the cart in the cart holder.<br /><br />That's when I heard it.<br /><br />Honk.<br /><br />Click.<br /><br />CLICK?!?! CLICK?!?!?<br /><br />My brain couldn't process. The door, the door...I left it ajar...so the click of my car doors locking shouldn't be a problem.<br /><br />Wrong. DEAD WRONG. <br /><br />The door was shut enough to lock.<br /><br />Noah. The keys. The locked doors.<br /><br />I called Mark. I asked a bag boy to run inside and get help...to call the police.<br /><br />A former student came out and stood with me while we waited for the police.<br /><br />I was one of THOSE moms. How could it have happened?<br /><br />In the end, Noah was fine. In fact he laughed and danced in his car seat, waiving the keys around as the police officer, Kaley, and I watched and waited for the master locksmith came. Noah was probably in there a total of 15 minutes, but it seemed like an eternity. Who would have known that the money we invested in one of those car DVD players would entertain my son who had locked himself in the car while I stood helplessly by.Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-730714090589122662008-12-16T19:30:00.007-06:002008-12-16T19:54:59.272-06:00Praise Him in This Storm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.castingcrowns.com/images/lifesonglil.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 100px;" src="http://www.castingcrowns.com/images/lifesonglil.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I know, the title to a Casting Crowns' song...but really, this title is literal for me today! Last night I sat in the living room too exhausted to move from the chair once we put Noah down for the night. <br /><br />I told Mark that I didn't know how we would get laundry done, get packed, "insert task here"...and in the end, I really didn't care. I went to bed...at 8:00. <br /><br />This morning I got up for my quiet time, made myself a cup of yummy flavored coffee (which really made me think of mornings with Julie back the FBC Bryan days), put on my headphones, pulled up a Beth Moore Bible study and asked the Lord to prepare me for the day.<br /><br />Then it happened...the call...school was closed for a snow day! Praise God...really!!! I didn't anticipate it (yes, I knew we were expecting snow, but we live in Missouri and they don't close school for an inch of snow...but they did today!).<br /><br />Noah and I stayed home together. <br /><br />He helped me by transferring my hose to Mark's sock drawer and Mark's socks to my drawer. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SUhZ7UwyDDI/AAAAAAAAALY/Cc5UFs10gvo/s1600-h/December+2008+030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SUhZ7UwyDDI/AAAAAAAAALY/Cc5UFs10gvo/s320/December+2008+030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280569438812376114" /></a><br /><br />He helped close the dryer door just when I needed him too, and he made sure that the living room would still need picked up tonight as it does every night.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SUhamsA49RI/AAAAAAAAALs/Yb5M_EqaECM/s1600-h/December+2008+028.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SUhamsA49RI/AAAAAAAAALs/Yb5M_EqaECM/s320/December+2008+028.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280570183788328210" /></a><br /><br />So...here are the results of the day:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SUhaZDV3AxI/AAAAAAAAALk/CJuY6Ck5Fw8/s1600-h/December+2008+029.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SUhaZDV3AxI/AAAAAAAAALk/CJuY6Ck5Fw8/s320/December+2008+029.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280569949532128018" /></a><br /><br />I am praising Him for this storm!! I can't wait to see my Texas family and friends in less than a week!!Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-70675811037282264332008-11-28T19:05:00.004-06:002008-11-28T19:15:16.869-06:00We're Coming!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/STCXnQ_KZSI/AAAAAAAAALQ/1hxflH0xh9k/s1600-h/November+037.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/STCXnQ_KZSI/AAAAAAAAALQ/1hxflH0xh9k/s320/November+037.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273881864481432866" /></a><br /><br /><br />Three weeks. That is how long before these feet touch Texas soil again! I honestly can't wait! <br /><br />It has been a year and a half since I was last home. I am ready to reconnect with family and friends. I am ready for Noah to run on the A&M campus, to sit in the grass of Research Park, to be held by my family...and for him to meet those friends who are so dear to me there. So before we arrive, a few messages for those we will see...<br /><br />Lisa & Ashley...I am ready for Sweet Eugene's, laughter, and probably a few tissues (although I promise not to inhale any while crying)!<br /><br />Aunt Helen...you better warn Jake.<br /><br />Mom and Dad...right...you won't spoil Noah.<br /><br />Uncle Larry...Noah can pull the fire out of even the shortest hair.<br /><br />Cynthia...you better keep Syla clear of Noah...he will really have the baby bug...and you just might catch it as well!<br /><br />Aunt Lisa...Arthur should probably be warned as well. Oh, also...we bring a mess with us!<br /><br />Jack, Sam, and Beth...we can't wait for Noah to play with y'all. He can walk...but hasn't quite learned sharing yet!<br /><br />Seriously, we are so excited! We can hardly wait. I have already started packing the car...no, that isn't a joke.<br /><br />We will come with lots and leave with so much more...<br /><br />Love y'all and see you soon!!Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-27745372439510850212008-11-23T11:15:00.001-06:002008-11-23T11:15:36.734-06:00Noah UpdateFor those of you who have been praying for Noah this past week, thank you! Keep praying though, he has had an allergic reaction to his antibiotic which has caused a severe rash on his torso, and fits of screaming (20-120 minutes at a time). We were up last night from 12:30-4:00 with him. He is just uncomfortable. We are asking for healing for his already weak body. <br /><br />"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." Romans 8:26Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-87218255913925321862008-11-23T11:00:00.004-06:002008-11-23T11:15:07.795-06:00What a Difference a Year Makes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SSmO-Dkyz9I/AAAAAAAAALI/-jSeZS-SLyM/s1600-h/November+025.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SSmO-Dkyz9I/AAAAAAAAALI/-jSeZS-SLyM/s320/November+025.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271902035576541138" /></a><br /><br /><br />Last year at this time I was awaiting the arrival of little Noah. I had dreams, hopes, doubts, insecurities...<br />My house was decorated for the holidays, I was anticipating my first Christmas without my family, I was wondering what motherhood would really be like.<br />My clothes didn't fit, my shoes wouldn't go on, and my wedding ring hadn't seen my hand in months.<br />So now, a year later...I have new dreams, hopes, doubts, and insecurities...<br />My house in partially decorated for Thanksgiving and partially for Christmas. I am joyfully anticipating my first Christmas with Noah and my family. I am finding out what motherhood really is.<br />My clothes fit, but they are the old ones I wore before Noah, my shoes will go on...but I had to break down and buy a new pair, and my wedding ring is in my jewelry box because I haven't had a moment to put it on yet today.<br /><br />Wow...Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-89047190672617122572008-11-02T14:23:00.003-06:002008-11-02T14:28:23.167-06:00Noah's Birthday Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/img/holidays/misc/partyhat.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/img/holidays/misc/partyhat.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />OK, I may never get an invitation created, or mailed!<br /><br />Noah will celebrate his 1st birthday a little early, and in Texas!<br /><br />On Sunday, December 28th at 2:00 we will have Noah's party at my parents' house. <br /><br />If you are reading this, and know us (hee, hee), then you are invited.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.clipartreview.com/_gallery/_TN/r_156.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.clipartreview.com/_gallery/_TN/r_156.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I can easily type this because only four people in Texas even read my blog, so there won't be a mad rush come December 28th.<br /><br />Seriously, I hope to get invitations out...sometime in early December. Until then, mark your calendars!Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-58322498885356773792008-11-02T14:16:00.006-06:002008-11-02T14:33:19.536-06:00My Little Penguin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SQ4LpI8qBOI/AAAAAAAAAKw/So3oRVn9JBk/s1600-h/October+027.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SQ4LpI8qBOI/AAAAAAAAAKw/So3oRVn9JBk/s320/October+027.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264157815847126242" /></a><br /><br />Here he is...the greatest penguin of all times!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SQ4OdzZw-vI/AAAAAAAAALA/WTXlmxlAm_E/s1600-h/Noah+Mom+and+the+Sisters+Visit+028.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SQ4OdzZw-vI/AAAAAAAAALA/WTXlmxlAm_E/s320/Noah+Mom+and+the+Sisters+Visit+028.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264160919619959538" /></a><br /><br />Sweet Noah, he didn't mind the costume.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SQ4LNxamxaI/AAAAAAAAAKg/B_qPsH2ZM90/s1600-h/October+025.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SQ4LNxamxaI/AAAAAAAAAKg/B_qPsH2ZM90/s320/October+025.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264157345673823650" /></a><br /><br />He didn't mind only stopping at two houses.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SQ4ONHhibEI/AAAAAAAAAK4/M4pryaqObhc/s1600-h/October+015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SQ4ONHhibEI/AAAAAAAAAK4/M4pryaqObhc/s320/October+015.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264160632963492930" /></a><br /><br />He didn't mind that the candy all went to Daddy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SQ4LdfIP0uI/AAAAAAAAAKo/BBhR4_RWlwQ/s1600-h/October+026.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yumTtnCN8EA/SQ4LdfIP0uI/AAAAAAAAAKo/BBhR4_RWlwQ/s320/October+026.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264157615642890978" /></a><br /><br />His favorite part of his first Halloween was stopping by his Nana Anita's house and petting her dalmatian, Lucy!Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-13515509117573534872008-10-22T19:42:00.002-05:002008-10-22T19:55:01.275-05:00Perspective5:00 a.m. -- Noah begins to stir. I groan.<br />5:30 a.m. -- Mark showers, I get Noah.<br />6:00 a.m. -- Noah snuggles on my lap.<br />6:30 a.m. -- I shower and rush to get ready.<br />7:25 a.m. -- I kiss Mark and Noah and head to work.<br />7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. -- Work.<br />3:30 p.m. - 5:00p.m. -- Pick up Noah and play with him.<br />5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. -- Dinner and bath for Noah<br />6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. -- Read to Noah and play with him.<br />8:00 p.m. -- Eat dinner<br />8:30 p.m. -- Crawl into bed with house a mess.<br />8:45 p.m. -- Noah wakes up screaming.<br />9:10 p.m. -- Try to lay Noah down, he continues screaming.<br />9:45 p.m. -- Finally get Noah in his crib...asleep.<br />9:45 p.m. -- Go to bed for a second time.<br />11:45 p.m. -- Noah wakes up screaming. Up until 1:30 trying to get him back to bed.<br />1:30 a.m. -- Climb back into bed and discuss Noah's sleep pattern with Mark.<br />2:00 a.m. -- Last time I see on the clock.<br />5:00 a.m. -- Repeat.<br /><br />This is, and has been, our schedule for the last four weeks or so. We don't know why Noah won't sleep. We are exhausted. We have skipped church so Noah can nap...and we can too. We have bags under our bags. We forget the sentence we just started. We are crying out to God for rest for Noah...for us. <br /><br />Then, perspective. I picked Noah up from daycare on Monday. The news. A three month old baby in the care of another had died from SIDS that day. I did not know the parents, it didn't matter. I dropped to my knees and wept. Something deep within me wept for that precious baby, for those parents who were weeping, for the woman we know who gently placed that sweet baby down for a simply nap only to return to stillness that wasn't right.<br /><br />I sat holding Noah last night for two hours. I will never complain about getting to hold my precious little one late in the wee hours again. How the mother must long to feel her baby in her arms again. The emptiness she must feel.<br /><br />Please pray for the family. For the sitter.Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5157845715076047862.post-50486086819817973772008-09-28T18:54:00.004-05:002008-09-28T19:14:13.702-05:00A Moment Like This...Numb. That is how I feel. <br /><br />I saw it coming. I screamed, knowing the outcome.<br /><br />There was simply nothing I could do to stop it.<br /><br />Today Noah, for the first time, was thrilled to play in his walker. We put on this shoes and ventured outside. The sun was shining, Dixie was dancing around. It was a scene right out of Norman Rockwell.<br /><br />Until it happened.<br /><br />I had come inside early and Mark and Noah followed. The walker and Dixie were still outside. I unchained her and grabbed the walker the only way I could. It wasn't ideal, I was holding on to the removable toy attachment.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/05/21/81/04/0005218104500_150X150.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/05/21/81/04/0005218104500_150X150.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We, Dixie, me, and the walker, came in the front door only to be greeted by a smiling Noah on all fours. <br /><br />That's when it happened. The removable attachment gave way. In a split second my mind realized the next event would happen without me being able to control it at all.<br /><br />The walker, my son...<br /><br />The walker fell on Noah's head...his head.<br /><br />Not his arm.<br /><br />Not his leg.<br /><br />My precious baby's head.<br /><br />He screamed.<br /><br />And screamed.<br /><br />I felt numb.<br /><br />I am still numb. <br /><br />I came to the internet. I checked a friend's blog...no new post...I was hoping...<br /><br />I went to a favorite site...Mom and Loving It<br /><br />Right there...<br /><br />Life is full of frustrations and challenges. The good news - “<span style="font-style:italic;">…his compassions never fail. They are new every morning.</span>” Lamentations 3:23<br /><br />Then, on my iGoogle page, "<span style="font-style:italic;">But he gives us more grace.</span>" James 4:6<br /><br />When human hands and arms can't comfort, I find comfort in those words.<br /><br />Noah is doing fine. <br /><br />A goose egg. <br /><br />A large scrape.<br /><br />As for me, this mother's heart is still being healed...by the Great I Am.</span>Angie Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756289038187635797noreply@blogger.com1